MPG Gain with Stock Pipes

[mikeandjamiet]

I recently bought a 2000 Spirit 1100 that has Cobra Pipes. My question is would I gain any mpg if I went back to the stock pipes? Thanks

[Jerry Turner]

If you take that windsheild off or tilt it back quite a bit you will gain a few mpgs.

[adlowe]

Originally Posted by Jerry Turner

If you take that windsheild off or tilt it back quite a bit you will gain a few mpgs.

Doesn't look like the speedometer will permit him to tilt it back much more; I had that issue with my bike.

[Phil]

Originally Posted by mikeandjamiet

I recently bought a 2000 Spirit 1100 that has Cobra Pipes. My question is would I gain any mpg if I went back to the stock pipes? Thanks

mike,
You'd probably lose mpg because the stock pipes weigh much more than aftermarket pipes and are more restrictive.

Unless of course, the bike isn't tuned properly with the aftermarket pipes and isn't running as efficiently as it was with the stock pipes; in that case, you would gain mpg going back to stock.

Now, there's another thing to consider here: Most people, when they install aftermarket pipes and re-jet (if they've done so correctly) even though their bike is running more efficiently, their perception is that they lose mpg because they tend to lay into the throttle more. The fun factor of having more power tends to make you twist the throttle more! But, if you could discipline yourself to ride conservatively after adding these mods, you would measure an increase in mpg..........
Phil

[dwmitchell61]

Originally Posted by adlowe

Doesn't look like the speedometer will permit him to tilt it back much more; I had that issue with my bike.

My windshield tilts back more on my 1100 Spirit... Take a look...

[mikeandjamiet]

Thanks for your suggestions. I am getting 47-49 mpg now. From reading posts on this site that is about normal but thought I'd ask.

[adlowe]

Originally Posted by dwmitchell61

My windshield tilts back more on my 1100 Spirit... Take a look...

His is almost touching the speedometer housing.

[adlowe]

Originally Posted by mikeandjamiet

Thanks for your suggestions. I am getting 47-49 mpg now. From reading posts on this site that is about normal but thought I'd ask.

That's good. You could probably get a bit more (maybe even 15%) by being extremely careful in how you use the throttle and staying off e-ways. I've done that for a tank or two; as much as I appreciate the extra MPG it is NOT fun to ride that way. (Unless you're in an MPG competition with a friend.)